2014 Best Supporting Actor/Actress Oscar Predictions

It is time for me to take a quick look at the best actors and actresses in a supporting role. These races are very exciting for a couple reasons. One reason is that it appears the supporting actor category is looking pretty locked up. The Second reason is that the actress category is wide open. All through the award season, no one has taken control.

To begin the men’s category is a first time nominee and first time actor Barkhad Abdi. This guy was driving a limo not long ago and now he’s the underdog in his category. Playing a Somali pirate is a tough role, I just feel he doesn’t have any body of work to compare to.

Bradley Cooper has his second Oscar nomination in as many years for David O. Russell’s American Hustle. This is a classic case of riding a success wave. I’m not saying Cooper isn’t talented or even an Oscar winner some day, but this just wasn’t his best.

Michael Fassbender is in a similar situation as Bradley Cooper. It is worth mentioning though, that Fassbender gave a great performance, I just didn’t feel he was in the film long enough.

Jared Leto literally transformed himself to become Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club. It was one of those performances I love in that you completely forget you are watching a performance. The actor becomes that role.

Finally the last nominee is certainly not the least. Jonah Hill without question stole The Wolf Of Wall Street. His improvisation as well as delivery in every way while playing Donnie. This is Hill’s second nomination and proof that hard work and passion can bring you out of the most ill respected movies to Oscar Sunday.

As hard as I will be rooting for Jonah Hill, my mind tells me that Jared Leto’s hot streak will carry him right through Sunday.

We continue on with the supporting actress category. This is wide open, with different women winning every award.

Leading off is Sally Hawkins for Blue Jasmine as Cate Blanchett’s blue collar and more stable sister. Her performance has had a tendency to be over-shadowed by Cate Blanchett’s brilliance.

Last years best actress returns in the supporting category. Jennifer Lawrence is the darling of Hollywood right now. She’s easily likable and marketable. The trouble I have here is I’m not sure it’s really an award worthy performance. It is, a strong performance, just not Oscar worthy.

Lupita Nyong’o is so emotional and full for her role in 12 Years A Slave. It’s a brutal movie about a brutal time in American history. She fully committed and there’s no denying that.

Julia Roberts is Jennifer Lawrence in 15 years if she keeps up doing what she is. Julia’s performance in August:Osage County is so well done. You feel her struggle with how to live so late in life. Her and Meryl Streep have, an on-screen chemistry that can’t be denied.

June Squibb was the voice of reason and provided much of the comic relief in Nebraska. She played Woody’s (Bruce Dern) wife and the two of them are a long time married couple who are living out their days just tolerating each other. It’s a fine performance and well deserved nomination.

That all widely said, who will win? As much as I will once again be rooting for Julia Roberts, I believe this will go to Lupita Nyong’o for 12 Years A Slave. Remember with this category, you just never know